Louise 
When Will I Feel My Baby Move?
One of the most exciting — and emotional — parts of pregnancy is feeling your baby move for the very first time. It’s that magical little flutter that reminds you: there’s really a tiny human growing in there.
But if you’re thinking “Should I have felt something by now?” or “Was that a kick or just wind?”, you’re in good company — most people wonder the same.
So, when should you expect those first movements? What should they feel like? And what’s normal as things progress? Feeling your baby move for the first time is an unforgettable part of pregnancy. My Antenatal Classes help you understand what’s happening during each stage and prepare you for the months ahead.
Let’s break it down.
When will I feel my baby move?
If this is your first baby, you’ll likely start to feel movements between 18 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
If you’ve been pregnant before, you might feel them a bit earlier — sometimes from around 16 weeks — because you know what to look out for.
But by 24 weeks, you should be feeling some movement — and if not, it’s important to let your midwife know.
What does baby movement feel like?
Early movements can feel surprisingly gentle. People often describe them as:
- Flutters
- Bubbles
- Popcorn
- A soft rolling or turning feeling
They can be easy to miss at first, especially if you’re busy, or if the baby is facing your back. But they’ll get stronger and more distinct over the coming weeks.
What if I have an anterior placenta?
If your placenta is lying at the front of your uterus (anterior), it can act like a cushion between your baby and your tummy, meaning it may take a little longer to notice movements — or they might feel fainter.
That’s completely normal — but you should still start to feel regular movement by 24 weeks.
How often should I feel movement?
By around 24–28 weeks, your baby will begin to settle into their own little rhythm. It won’t necessarily be kicks all day long, but you’ll start to notice a pattern — maybe they’re more active after meals, when you sit down, or at bedtime.
There’s no set number of movements you should feel — instead, what matters is what’s normal for your baby.
That’s why we love and recommend the brilliant charity Kicks Count. They’re the UK’s leading movement awareness organisation, with loads of helpful information, reassurance, and free resources to help you tune into your baby’s pattern. They even have an app to track movement if you find that helpful!
When should I call my midwife?
- You’ve not felt any movements at all by 24 weeks
- Your baby’s movements have slowed down or feel different
- You’re not sure but feel like something’s changed
- You’re just worried — you are never wasting anyone’s time
Your midwife or maternity unit will always want to hear from you if something doesn’t feel right. Movements are one of the best ways to check in with your baby’s wellbeing.
The Honest Take
Feeling your baby move is a milestone that makes everything more real — and it can be full of joy, nerves, and the odd is that a foot or a fart? moment.
But once your baby starts moving regularly, it’s a connection like no other — a little reminder that you’re never alone.
So if you’re still waiting, hang in there — it’s coming.
And when it does, trust your instincts. Get to know your baby’s pattern, and if anything changes, speak up. The team at Kicks Count are also there if you want to learn more or need a bit of extra support.
You’ve got this — and your baby’s already got a great dance partner.
